The International Sport for All Federation -FISpT- has recognised the Ju-Jitsu International Federation -JJIF- as a Committee Member within its global structure. The move expands the network of sports organisations represented within FISpT and opens a new avenue for bringing ju-jitsu into educational, community-based and inclusive programmes developed under the Sport for All philosophy.
The decision forms part of the transformation undertaken by FISpT during 2026. Its General Assembly approved new statutes in January to strengthen governance, transparency and institutional accountability, as well as moving the organisation’s headquarters to Rome. The relationship with JJIF is not entirely new, as the ju-jitsu federation was previously connected to the international Sport for All movement. The recognition formalises that cooperation within a renewed structure and under its current membership categories.
The “flexible art” adapts to sport for all
JJIF currently presents ju-jitsu as “the flexible art”, a description derived from the Japanese terms ju —flexible, adaptable or yielding— and jutsu —art or technique—. Its central principle is to respond to a situation through control, timing and adaptability rather than relying solely on strength. The Federation has extended this interpretation beyond combat by incorporating communication, behaviour and conflict prevention into its educational programmes.
This capacity for adaptation facilitates its use in schools, clubs and community projects involving participants of different ages and ability levels. The intensity, exercises and techniques can be adjusted to suit each group, while practice develops coordination, balance, flexibility, endurance, self-control and confidence. Respect for training partners and the controlled resolution of situations also connect the discipline with social cohesion, personal development and inclusion.
From competition to social programmes
JJIF contributes a network of national federations and continental unions coordinated from its operational headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Its activities include world and continental championships, youth camps, technical seminars, educational programmes and institutional meetings. In competition, it recognises formats such as the Duo System, Fighting System and Ne-Waza, combining self-defence demonstrations, controlled combat and ground fighting within the same international framework.
Its status as a Committee Member will enable the organisations to explore joint initiatives in coach education, school sport, youth participation, inclusion and violence prevention. FISpT gains a federation with experience in organising international activities and programmes at different levels, while JJIF receives an additional platform from which to develop the social and educational dimensions of its discipline. No specific timetable has yet been announced, so the activities will need to be defined during the next stage of the cooperation.
A period of institutional growth for JJIF
The recognition follows several decisions intended to strengthen the Federation’s governance. The World Congress held in Bangkok alongside the 2025 World Championships brought together representatives from more than 80 countries to discuss transparency, financial accountability, elections and the participation of young people and women. In June 2026, JJIF appointed Sara Paganini to its Board to increase female representation and bring athletes’ experience more directly into its decision-making processes.
Its external representation also increased in April when Joachim Thumfart, JJIF General Director, was elected to the Executive Committee of the International World Games Association -IWGA- for the 2026-2030 term. His appointment gave the Federation a presence within the body responsible for coordinating and overseeing the principal matters relating to The World Games. FISpT’s recognition now extends that institutional development by adding community sport and accessible physical activity to JJIF’s areas of international cooperation.
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